Abstract: In various embodiments, multiple participants (at endpoints) may connect through a video conferencing system. A screen may display other participants in the conference call. For example, multiple participants may be displayed in respective portions of the screen. In some embodiments, each of the participants may use video conferencing systems that support different resolutions. In some embodiments, a transcoder may resolution transcode signals to allow the conference call participants to be displayed on each participant's respective screen at up to the highest possible resolution supported by the respective screen. For example, low resolution video conferencing systems may be displayed on a high definition screen of a high resolution system at the low resolution of the low resolution video conferencing system while another image on the same high definition screen from a different, higher resolution video conferencing system, may be displayed at the higher resolution.

Abstract: A conference call may involve participants with video conferencing systems and participants with speakerphone systems. In some embodiments, sound from speakerphone participants may be sent through a speakerphone sound system while sound from video participants may be sent through the video sound system (e.g., near a video monitor). Sound may be localized through a combination of both the video sound system and the speakerphone sound system to produce a spatially correct sound field for in room participants.

Abstract: In some embodiments, spatially realistic audio may be provided for a conference call. Voices from participants on the left side of a display, in a conference call, may be directed through audio on the left side of the display at the other conferencing system in the conference call (similarly for voices from the center and right side of the display). In some embodiments, two speakers may be used in the system to create synthesized stereo sound at a location specified by directional information received as side information along with the existing audio channel. The location may be determined by using beamforming with integrated microphones on a camera or speakerphone. In some embodiments, the audio signal and directional information may be sent in the form of a left audio channel and a right audio channel.

Abstract: In various embodiments, to avoid having to plug in the speakerphone, the speakerphone may be powered with a battery. In some embodiments, the speakerphone may exchange a discharged battery with a charged battery on a charging stand. In some embodiments, a charging stand, with a battery releasably coupled to the charging stand, may be configured to receive a second battery from a speakerphone. In some embodiments, the speakerphone with the first battery may be placed onto the charging stand to engage the charging stand. The charging stand may determine if the first battery on the speakerphone needs to be exchanged (e.g., if it is charged below a predetermined limit). If the battery needs to be exchanged, the charging stand may exchange the first battery with the second battery by disengaging the first battery and engaging the second battery with the speakerphone.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a camera support mechanism may be used as a mount to couple a camera to a display. The camera support mechanism may include a front lip and rear leg to hold the camera in place. The front lip may align with a front edge of a display. In some embodiments, the rear leg may be adjustable by an adjustment knob. The rear leg may further have a compliant tip to allow the camera support mechanism to adapt to different sizes and shapes of displays. The camera may be mounted on the camera support mechanism through a fastener.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a High Definition (HD) camera may be controlled by one or more motors in a base of the HD camera. Cables and other components may be used to manipulate the camera lens through the side arms of the HD camera. Putting the motors in the base may reduce the size of the outer case of the HD camera and add stability. In some embodiments, images from the HD camera may be converted into a serialized stream and transported over a cable from the lens through a center shaft of the HD camera. Other components may also be used to increase the functionality of the HD camera. In some embodiments, a camera support mechanism may be provided to couple a camera to a display. The camera support mechanism may include a front lip and rear leg to hold camera in place.

Abstract: A facial recognition algorithm may be performed in order to identify a participant at a first endpoint in a videoconference. Participant information for the participant may be displayed together with an image of the participant on a display screen at a second endpoint in the videoconference. Displaying the participant information for the participant on the display screen may enable participants at the second endpoint to see the participant information for the participant during the videoconference.

Abstract: A method for displaying information in a videoconference is disclosed. Video information from a first endpoint of the videoconference may be received. The video information may include an image of a participant at the first endpoint. Participant information for the participant (e.g., name, phone number, job title, etc.) may also be received. The video information and the participant information for the participant may be displayed together on a display screen at a second endpoint of the videoconference.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a method for automatically converting audio speech in a videoconference into text information are described. According to one embodiment of the method, a videoconferencing device at a first endpoint in the videoconference may receive a stream of video information and audio information from a videoconferencing device at a second endpoint in the videoconference. The audio information includes speech of a participant at the second endpoint. The videoconferencing device at the first endpoint may automatically convert the speech into text information.

Abstract: Methods for authenticating a person to participant in a videoconference based on facial imaging, fingerprint imaging, other biometric information, passwords, and physical mediums are described. Identity information for the potential participant may be received, and a recognition algorithm may be performed to determine whether the received identity information for the potential participant matches pre-stored identity information for a first person, e.g., where the potential videoconferencing participant claims to be a specific person. If the recognition algorithm determines a match, the potential videoconferencing participant may be authenticated to participate in the videoconference.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a videoconferencing system may include a video capture device for capturing an image and a computer system for processing the captured image to produce a 3-D image. In some embodiments, the computer system may be coupled to the video capture device through a network and may process the image by forming image portions for projecting onto a moving surface. In some embodiments, the moving surface may move and a projector may project the image portions onto the moving surface. In some embodiments, the image portions projected onto the moving surface may appear as a 3-D image to a participant in the videoconference. In some embodiments, the 3-D image may be displayed through 3-D goggles or using other 3-D mediums.

Abstract: An auxiliary unit is used in conjunction with a personal computer based work station for interconnecting the work station to an audio-visual communications network. The auxiliary unit includes a CRT, a camera, a speaker phone circuit, and a CPU for interfacing these elements with each other and with the communications network to permit the transmission and reception of voice, video and computer graphics information.